Laser centering tool for surface areas

ABSTRACT

A laser centering tool for surface areas used to find the center point of a surface. The laser centering tool uses single or multiple laser sources to project a plurality of lines on a horizontal or vertical surface. It may comprise of multiple lasers, rotational plates, prism, beam splitter, gear housing, and/or a gear mechanism. At least one center laser line remains stationary between at least two edge laser lines. The edge lasers may be moved to outline the edge of a surface. At least one center laser projects a beam that indicates the center point of the edge lasers. The edge laser lines may be moved by rotational plates, a set of mirrors, or prism.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application61/583,004 filed on Jan. 4, 2012, entitled “Laser Centering Tool”, theentirety of which is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a laser centering tool for surfaceareas. More specifically, the invention relates to a tool to find thecenterline of surfaces.

2. Description of the Related Art

Unlike normal light, laser light is directional and has a very tight,strong, and concentrated beam. As a result, laser lights have beenutilized in numerous tools, particularly in construction and householdtools.

One popular application is utilizing the laser as an alternative to thetraditional metal tape measures. Laser tape measures are used bycontractors, architects, flooring professionals, and homeowners tocalculate the lengths, widths, and heights of an area. A laser tapemeasure is used in a similar manner as a traditional metal tape measure.To use a laser tape measure, a user places the device at one end of thearea to be measured, and aims the device at an object at the other endof the area. The object may be a wall, pole, or any other target thatwill allow the beam to reflect off of it. Often times a laser tapemeasure calculates the distance of an area by either the phase-shiftmethod or time-of-flight method. Using the phase-shift method, the lasertape measure compares the beam reflections that it sends. Using thetime-of-flight method, the laser tape measuring device calculates theamount of time it takes for an optical pulse to reflect back to thedevice.

Another popular use of the laser is the laser leveling devices. One typeof laser leveling device is the dot laser. A dot laser level is aninexpensive tool that projects a point or dot which can be leveled usinga spirit or bubble level.

A more expensive and versatile laser leveling device is the line laser.Line laser leveling devices are often used by homeowners to hang aseries of framed pictures, mirrors, or other decorations on a wall. Theline laser leveling device projects a perfectly straight beamhorizontally or vertically across a surface. The line laser levelingdevice is placed parallel to the surface, such as a wall, and may beeither mounted directly onto the surface or placed on a tripod. Toensure the projected beam is leveled, the line laser leveling deviceoften includes a spirit or bubble level. The line laser leveling deviceis typically designed for indoor use, and has a limited distance thatthe beam may be projected across.

A third type of laser leveling device is the rotary laser, which isoften used by contractors to lay pipes, foundation, or grade roads. Arotary laser leveling device is rotated 360 degrees while projecting adot to create a horizontal plane. Unlike the line laser leveling device,rotary lasers are more expensive and may project a beam over a longerdistance. The rotary laser leveling devices are often leveled using aspirit or bubble level.

Because current household and contractor tools that utilize lasers donot allow for the user to easily find the center of a surface, there isa need for a device that utilizes lasers in a centering tool. Such lasercentering tool may be used for assisting a homeowner hang picture framesin equal distances to each other or assembling a door knob onto akitchen cabinet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form thatare further described in the detailed description of the invention. Thissummary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive conceptsof the claimed subject.

The present invention provides for a laser centering tool for surfaceareas that uses single or multiple laser sources to project a pluralityof lines on a horizontal or vertical surface. In the primary embodiment,the center laser line is fixed and two additional laser lines act asedge lasers. The two edge lasers may move in identical relation to eachother. The center laser indicates the center point between the two edgelasers which allows a user to find the center of any surface.

The present further provides a device comprised of a housing; a centerlight source mated to the housing configured to generate a centerreference light line projected onto a surface; a left light sourceconfigured to generate a left reference light line projected onto thesurface wherein the left light source is connected to a left rotationalelement; a right light source configured to generate a right referencelight line projected onto the surface wherein the right light source isconnected to a right rotational element; a power source for providingpower to the center light source, left light source, and right lightsource; a gear system within the housing which controls the rotation ofthe left rotation element and right rotational element configured tomove the left rotational element and right rotational element in unisonand in opposite rotational directions; and wherein the movement of theleft rotational element and right rotational element cause the leftreference light line and the right reference light line to move in equalincrements away from or towards the center reference light line. Thedevise may also include a sensor for receiving a reflected light signalfrom the center light source, wherein the reflected light signal can beused to determine the distance from the device to the reflectingsurface. The device can also use the determined distance in combinationwith the degree of rotation of at least one of the rotational elementsto determine the distance between the center reference light line andthe left reference light line or the right reference light line. Thedevice could include a left sensor for receiving a reflected lightsignal from the left light source and a right sensor for receiving areflected light signal from the right light source, wherein the left andright reflected light signals can be used to determine a left sidedistance and a right side distance of the respective light from thereflecting surface. The device can notify the user when the left sidedistance and right side distance are equal indicative of the devicebeing parallel to the surface. The device can be configured with amounting element for mounting to a stand and can include an adjustmentdial for the user to adjust the angular rotation of the left rotationalplate and right rotational plate. The device may also include a displayfor displaying the determined or calculated distances.

The present invention also provides a device comprising: a housing; acenter light source mated to the housing configured to generate a centerlight beam; a power source for providing power to the center lightsource; at least one beam splitter for splitting the center light sourceinto a center beam, a left beam and a right beam, wherein the centerbeam projects a center reference light line onto a surface; a leftmirror configured to reflect the left beam producing a left referencelight line on the surface wherein the left mirror is connected to a leftrotational element; a right mirror configured to reflect the right beamproducing a right reference light line on the surface wherein the rightmirror is connected to a right rotational element; a gear system withinthe housing which controls the rotation of the left rotation element andright rotational element and is configured to move the left rotationalelement and right rotational element in unison and in oppositerotational directions; and wherein the movement of the left rotationalelement and right rotational element cause the left reference light lineand the right reference light line to move in equal increments away fromor towards the center reference light line. The device may furtherinclude a sensor for receiving a reflected light signal from the centerlight source, wherein the reflected light signal can be used todetermine the distance from the device to the reflecting surface.Further, the device can use the determined distance in combination withthe degree of rotation of at least one of the rotational elements todetermine the distance between the center reference light line and theleft reference light line or right reference light line. The devicecould include a left sensor for receiving a reflected light signal fromthe left beam and a right sensor for receiving a reflected light signalfrom the right beam, wherein the left and right reflected light signalscan be used to determine a left side distance and a right side distanceof the respective light from the reflecting surface. The system cannotify the user when the left side distance and right side distance areequal indicative of the device being parallel to the surface. The devicehas a mounting element for mounting to a stand and may include anadjustment dial for the user to adjust the angular rotation of the leftrotational plate and right rotational plate. The device may also includea display for displaying one or more determined distances.

The device of the present invention may also comprise: a housing; acenter light source mated to the housing configured to generate a centerlight beam; a power source for providing power to the center lightsource; at least one beam splitter for splitting the center light sourceinto a center beam, a left beam and a right beam, wherein at least oneof the at least one beam splitter is mounted to a moveable plate andwherein the center beam projects a center reference light line onto asurface; a left mirror configured to reflect the left beam producing aleft reference light line on the surface; a right mirror configured toreflect the right beam producing a right reference light line on thesurface; a mechanism within the housing which controls the movement ofthe moveable plate so that the left beam and right beam reflect off ofthe left mirror and right mirror respectively at different locations onthe mirrors; and wherein the movement of the moveable plate causes theleft reference light line and the right reference light line to move inequal increments away from or towards the center reference light line.The device may further include a sensor for receiving a reflected lightsignal from the center light source, wherein the reflected light signalcan be used to determine the distance from the device to the reflectingsurface. The device may use the determined distance in combination withthe displacement of the moveable plate to determine the distance betweenthe center reference light line and the left reference light line orright reference light line. The device may also include a left sensorfor receiving a reflected light signal from the left beam and a rightsensor for receiving a reflected light signal from the right beam,wherein the left and right reflected light signals can be used todetermine a left side distance and a right side distance of therespective light from the reflecting surface. The system can notify theuser when the left side distance and right side distance are equalindicative of the device being parallel to the surface. The device mayinclude a mounting element for mounting to a stand. The device mayinclude an adjustment dial for the user to adjust the movement of themoveable plate. The device may also include a display of claim fordisplaying one or more determined distances.

These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue fromvarious aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described inmore detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings.However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of the present invention,including a center laser line, two edge laser lines, and the gearhousing.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-sectional side view of the presentinvention, including the gear housing, center laser line, two edge laserlines, and the gear mechanism.

FIG. 3A illustrates the cross-sectional top view of a first embodimentof the gear mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates the cross-sectional top view of a second embodimentof the gear mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mounting plate including the tripod plate andS-curve.

FIG. 5A illustrates the present invention including a single laser,system of mirrors, a center laser line, two edge laser lines, gearhousing, and a gear mechanism.

FIG. 5B illustrates the cross-sectional side view of a first embodimentof the gear mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates the present invention including a single laser, aprism, and shaded lens.

FIG. 6B illustrates the cross-sectional side view of a first embodimentof the gear mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the graduated scale of the mounting mechanism of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the shading mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 9A illustrates the present invention including a shade mechanism, asingle laser, a housing, and flexible shades.

FIG. 9B illustrates the present invention including a shade mechanism, asingle laser, a housing, and “T” shaped shades.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described ingreater detail with reference to the figures.

In the first embodiment, the present invention consists of a housingbase 101, two rotational plates 111, 103, three lasers 109, 107, 105, anon/off switch 125, and a cylindrical tube 149. The housing base 101houses the gear mechanism, power source, and wires. Two rotationalplates 111, 103 are affixed to the top of the housing base 101. Twoturrets 119, 121, each housing one of two lasers 105, 109 are attachedto the rotational plates 103, 111 so that the lasers may rotate 360degrees. Alternatively, the rotational plates 103, 111 may be designedsuch that they, and the mounted lasers, do not rotate a full 360 degreesto avoid creating problems with wiring to the lasers. The third laser107 is placed in a center turret on top of the housing base 101 andremains stationary. Alternatively, this third laser 107 may be placedinside and in the center of the housing base 101.

The lasers 105, 107, 109, are attached to a power source such as abattery, and an on/off switch 125 by electrical wires. The wiring may bevisible or housed within the turrets 119, 121 and housing base 101.

When the present invention is turned on via the on/off switch 125, thelasers 105, 107, 109 emit perpendicular laser lines that can be seen onany hard surface, i.e., a wall. These lines may become horizontal linesby turning the present invention clockwise or counter-clockwise asdescribed further below.

The two rotational plates 111, 103 may rotate the two turret lasers 109,105 in an identical relation to each other so that the distance betweenthe left laser line emitted from the left laser 109 and the center laserline emitted from the center laser 107 is equal to the distance betweenthe right laser line emitted from the right laser 105 and the centerlaser line emitted from the center laser 107. Therefore, the centerlaser line is always the exact center point between the left laser lineand right laser line. The rotational plates 111, 103 may rotate the twoturret lasers 109, 105 up to 360 degrees. In addition, the rotationalplates 111, 103 rotate in opposite direction to each other. For example,as the left rotational plate 111 moves the left laser 109 clockwise 15degrees, the right rotational plate 103 moves the right laser 105counter clockwise 15 degrees.

The rotational plates 103, 111 are attached to a gear mechanism 319,321, 323, 325 located in the gear housing 301 (seen in FIG. 3). Thisgear mechanism 319, 321, 323, 325 is used to rotate the rotationalplates 103, 111 and two turret lasers 105, 109. The user may utilize acenter adjustment dial 129 and a spring-loaded knob 131 connected to thegear mechanism 319, 321, 323, 325 to rotate the two rotational plates103, 111 in an identical relation to each other. The center adjustmentdial 129 may also allow for both fine and coarse adjustments. The gearmechanism 319, 321, 323, 325 is further described in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In one embodiment, the present invention may not have turrets 119, 121.For example, the right and left lasers 105, 109 could be housed not inprotruding turrets 119, 121 but rather inside the housing base 101attached to internal rotational plates 103, 111. In this example, thefront housing base 101 would be made out of translucent material, likeplastic or glass, that allows for the laser lines to be visibly emitted.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of thepresent invention including the gear mechanisms 219, 221, 223, 225, therotational plates 211, 203, the multiple lasers 209, 207, 205, thecenter adjustment dial 229, and the spring-loaded knob 231. A centeradjustment dial 229 is used to rotate the rotational plates 211, 203 inan identical relation to each other.

The center adjustment dial 229 is connected to a center gear 221.Directly to the left of the center gear 221 is the left gear 219. Theleft gear 219 is aligned with the center gear 221, but positionedslightly below the center adjustment dial 229. The left rotational plate211 is connected with the left gear 219. In one embodiment, a column 235may be used to connect the left rotational plate 211 with the left gear219. By way of example, as a user rotates the center adjustment dial 229counterclockwise, the left gear 219 rotates clockwise which also rotatesthe left rotational plate 211 and left laser 209 in a clockwisedirection.

A small gear 223 is positioned directly on the bottom right corner ofthe center gear 221. The small gear 223 is positioned adjacent to thecenter gear 221 and the right gear 225. The right gear 225 is on a lowerhorizontal plane than the center gear 221 and does not engage the centergear directly. Placing the right gear 225 lower than the main gear 221allows the left gear 219 and the right gear 225 to be equidistant fromthe center point of the main gear 219. The small gear 221 enables theleft gear 219 and right gear 225 to rotate in opposite directions and inidentical relation to each other. Columns 235, 233 connect the left andright gears 219, 225 to the left and right turrets 211, 203 for the leftand right lasers 209, 205. As a user rotates the center adjustment dial229 counterclockwise, the small gear 223 rotates clockwise and the rightgear 225 moves counterclockwise. This causes the right rotational plate203 and right laser 205 to also move counterclockwise. At the same time,the left gear 219, left rotation plate 211, and left laser 209 rotate ina clockwise direction.

In order to allow for coarse and fine adjustment, a spring-loaded knob231 is positioned between the top of the gear housing 201 and the centeradjustment dial 229 to allow for gradual adjustments. The graduatedscale would be relative to the zero point and could employ a clamping orfriction fit to adjust and hold the set adjustment. Indicia or labelsare placed on the center adjustment dial 229 to identify the number ofdegrees the rotational plates 211, 203 are rotated.

In the alternative, slight pressure molds or indentions line the top ofthe center adjustment dial 229 to allow for the rotational plates to berotated in preset increments. These indentions correlate with therequired distance the center adjustment dial 229 must move to rotate therotational plates 211, 203 a certain number of degrees. Labels areplaced on the center adjustment dial 229 to identify the number ofdegrees the rotational plates 211, 203 are rotated for every indention.The spring-loaded knob 231 fits within the slight pressure molds. As auser rotates the center adjustment dial 229, the spring-loaded knob 231slides across the surface of the center adjustment dial 229 and into thevarious pressure molds that line the top of the center adjustment dial229. When the spring-loaded knob 231 slides into a pressure mold, itholds the center adjustment dial 229 into place until the user continuesrotating the center adjustment dial 229. In addition, ridges 227 areindented on the side of the center adjustment dial 229 for fingertraction.

By way of example, for every 15 degrees the rotational plates 203, 211rotate, a pressure mold is placed on the center adjustment dial 229.This allows the user to adjust the center adjustment dial 299 in 15degree increments. Thus, the two edge lasers 205, 209 may be moved by a0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° rotation. It should be noted that thecenter adjustment dial 229 would not be limited to preset 15 degreeincremental adjustments, and the 15 degree incremental adjustments arefor the purpose of this example.

Continuing with the above example, a user determines he wants to findthe center point of his wall. The user places the present invention infront of the wall so that the light lines from the three lasers 205,207, 209 are projected on the wall. The user utilizes the centeradjustment dial 229 to rotate the rotational plates 211, 203 in anydegree increments or to the 15 degree preset increments. At each 15degree increment, the spring-loaded knob 231 holds the center adjustmentdial 229 into place. This allows the user to make fine adjustments. Inorder to continue rotating the lasers 209, 205, the user must exertslight additional force to rotate the center adjustment dial 229 to thenext 15 degree increment. The user continues to rotate the centeradjustment dial 229 until the laser line of the left laser 105 meets theleft edge of the wall and the laser line of the right laser 109 meetsthe right edge of the wall. At this point, the line from the centerlaser 107 is positioned at the center of the wall. Again, it should benoted that the center adjustment dial 229 would neither be limited tothe preset 15 degree incremental adjustments nor limited to any presetincrements, and the 15 degree incremental adjustments are for thepurpose of this example.

In addition, a cylindrical tube 249 is positioned at the bottom of thehousing base 201. Within the cylindrical tube 249 are linear grooveswhich are part of the mounting mechanism. This mounting mechanism willbe further described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 3A depicts the top view of a first embodiment of the gearmechanism, including the gear housing 301, the left gear 319, the centergear 321, the small gear 323, and the right gear 325. The small gear 323is positioned adjacent to the center gear 321 and the right gear 325.The right gear 325 is on a lower horizontal plan and does not contactthe main gear 321. This design enables the left gear 319 and right gear325 to be equidistant from the center point of the main gear 321 whichmay be used as a guide for placement of the center laser 207 (FIG. 2).The right gear 325 and left gear 319 may be identical in shape and size.As discussed above, the left gear 319 and right gear 325 move inopposite and identical relation to each other. As the center gear 321 isrotated counterclockwise, the left gear 319 rotates clockwise and theright gear 325 rotates counterclockwise. This causes the left rotationplate 211 and left laser 209 to move clockwise, and the right rotationplate 203 and right laser 205 to move counterclockwise.

FIG. 3B depicts a second embodiment of the gearing mechanism whichprovides a left gear 359, a right gear 355, and an adjustment dial orgear 352. The adjustment dial 352 is geared to mate with the right gear355. The right gear 355 is geared to also mate with the left gear 359such that when the adjustment dial 352 is rotated the right gear 355 andleft gear 359 move in opposite directions in identical relation to eachother. The left and right lasers may be attached to the left and rightgears 359, 355 and the center laser may be positioned at theintersection of the left and right gears 359, 355.

Although the present invention is depicted using a gear based mechanismor design, other drive systems may be used to rotate the left and rightlasers. Such other drive systems may include belts, chains, wires,pulleys or manually rotated designs.

A lens with a reticule may also be fixed onto the center laser 107 forperpendicular reference. The lens may also be adjusted so that thereticule may be a moveable perpendicular reference.

In an additional embodiment, one or more sensors may be added to thepresent invention and used to measure distance. The sensors would belocated near one of the lasers 105, 107, 109 to receive a reflectedlight signal as the light reflects off of the surface the light isprojected upon. The sensors can be connected to a processor which canidentify the speed within which the reflected signal was received by thesensor and therefore, determine the distance of the device from thereflecting surface. The sensors could be standard laser or light sensorswhich can receive reflected signals in any range but most likely in the24 to 700 nanometer range. The sensors could be laser range finders orproximity sensors which determine distance based upon the change inenergy or a change in the directed beam or field where the change inenergy, beam, or field can be associated with distance.

Using the distance of the device to the wall or reflecting surface andknowing the angle of rotation of the left and right lasers 105, 109, thesystem or device can calculate the distance from the center laser line515 (see FIG. 5) to the left or right laser line 513, 517. Usingstandard trigonometric equations and assuming a 90 degree right angle ofthe center laser to the surface, the space or distance between thecenter line and the left or right laser line can be calculated as thetangent of the angular displacement times the distance of the unit tothe surface (or wall). The system might use other known calculations andtheorems to determine the various sides or angles of a triangle. Thecalculations are handled or processed by the processor and can then bedisplayed on a user display integrated in the device. The distancesensors could also be used in conjunction with the left and right lasers105, 109 to determine the distance of the left and right sides of thehousing 101. The use of left and right sensors would be useful inverifying that the housing 101 is placed parallel to the reflectingsurface to insure the center beam is perpendicular to the reflectingsurface. Therefore, distance calculations of the distance between outerlaser lines 513, 517 (see FIG. 5) and the center laser line 515 whichutilize the rotational angle of the rotating plates are more accuratesince they are likely premised on a right angle or 90 degree equation.

In a preferred embodiment, angular displacement is determined throughthe use of one or more sensors. The system can utilize angular positionsensors such as rotary encoders, magnetic displacement sensors, fiberoptic sensors, linear displacement sensors, angular displacementtransducers, rotary variable differential transformers, and othersimilar sensors that can be used to determine the angle of the laser105, 107 from the unit or housing 101.

In an additional embodiment, the main housing 401 may be attached to amounting plate 439 as depicted in FIG. 4. The mounting plate 439 allowsfor the main housing 401 to be rotated on an axis in both a clockwiseand counterclockwise direction. The mounting plate 439 includes a flattripod plate 445, an S-curve 447, and a mating stem 442 for mounting themain housing 401 onto the mounting plate 439.

One end of the S-curve is connected to the flat tripod plate 445. In thecenter of the flat tripod plate 445 is a hole 441. The hole 441 on thetripod plate 445 allows for the mounting plate 439 to be placed andsecured to the head of most commercial tripods.

The S-curve 447 has a mating stem 442 on the opposite end of the tripodplate 445. The mating stem 442 is cylindrical in shape with lineargrooves 443. A cylindrical tube 437 is integrated or connected to thebottom of the main housing 401. The main housing 401 attaches to themounting plate 439 by sliding the cylindrical tube 437 onto the matingstem 442. Linear grooves 449 are found within the cylindrical tube 437.These linear grooves 449 are complementary to the linear grooves 443found on the mating stem 442 so that the main housing 401 may besecurely locked into place.

A spring loaded mechanism may be used to lock and unlock the housing 401from the linear grooves 443, 449 by expanding the tube 437 or retractingthe grooves 449. This allows for the main housing 401 to be rotatedaround the mating stem 442, and be set and used at different angles. Thespring loaded mechanism or design may be comprised of a spring, knoblocking component, and knurled knob. As the user pulls out the knurledknob, the knob locking component disengages which allows for the housing401 to be rotated around the mating stem 442 and secured at differentangles without having to remove the main housing 401 completely off themating stem 442. In one embodiment, the linear grooves 449 are presetsuch that the main housing 401 can only be rotated based on the distancebetween the grooves 449.

As an alternative, the rotation of the main housing 401 would not bedependent on the linear grooves 443, 449. The main housing 401 attachesto the mounting plate 438 by sliding the mating stem 442 into thecylindrical tube 437. A frictional press 759 (as seen in FIG. 7), suchas a clamp with a gripped inner surface or a screw based clamp, wouldpush down on the mating stem 442 to hold the main housing 401 intoplace. The frictional press may be released so that the user can rotatethe main housing 401 around the stem 442 at any angle. The frictionalpress may be tightened to the main housing 40 at the desired angle. Inthis alternative embodiment, the cylindrical tube 437 and mating stem442 may or may not have linear grooves 443, 449.

A graduated scale 453 is placed at the cylindrical end of the stem 442.When the stem 442 is placed in the cylindrical tube 437, the graduatedscale 453 is visible through an opening 455 on the cylindrical tube 437of the main housing 401. As depicted in FIG. 7, a graduated scale 753 isplaced at the cylindrical end of the S-curve. The graduated scale 753indicates various angles. For example, the graduated scale 753 mayindicate degree marks such as forty-five 745, and ninety 790 degreemarks. As an alternative example, the graduated scale 753 may indicate a−90, −60, −45, −30, −15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 degree marks. A zeromark 757 is located on the end of the cylindrical tube 737 on the gearhousing 701. The gradual scale 753 is relative to the zero mark 757.

An example of the present invention in use is provided, wherein a userwants to hang a series of three pictures, Picture A, Picture B, andPicture C, on his wall. He wants to hang the pictures in a “V”alignment. The user places the gear housing 401 onto the mounting plate439 by sliding the cylindrical end of the S-curve 447 into thecylindrical tube 437 located on the main housing 401. Using the springmechanism, the user locks the main housing 401 into place so that it isparallel with the floor. In order to ensure the main housing 401 isparallel to the floor, the user adjusts the main housing 401 using thegraduated scale 753 so that the zero mark 757 and 0° on the cylindricaltube 437 are aligned. The user then secures the mounting plate 439 andthe main housing 401 combination onto a commercial tripod, and positionsthe tripod some distance from the wall. For purpose of this example, theuser positions the tripod approximately 4 feet from the wall. Using thecenter adjustment dial 429, the user rotates the laser, 405 409 untilthe left laser line 513 (see FIG. 5) and right laser line 517 areapproximately 2 feet apart from the center laser line 515. The usermounts Picture B where the center laser line 515 meets the wall.

The user unlocks the main housing 401 from the mating stem 442, androtates the main housing 401 45 degrees counterclockwise so that theright laser 405 is positioned higher than the left laser 409. The userlocks the main housing 401 into place on the stem 442. Without adjustingthe center adjustment dial 429, the user mounts Picture A where the linefrom the right laser 109 meets the wall.

The user unlocks the main housing 401 from the mating stem 442 androtates the main housing 401 90 degrees clockwise from its currentposition (45 degrees clockwise from zero) so that the left laser 409 ispositioned higher than the left laser 409. The user locks the gearhousing 401 into place on the stem 442. Without adjusting the centeradjustment dial 429, the user mounts Picture C where the left laser markmeets the wall. Using the present invention, the user was able to hangthe three pictures, Picture A, Picture B, and Picture C, in a “V”alignment on the wall.

In addition, as depicted in FIG. 4, a fine adjustment tool 451 islocated under the cylindrical tube 437 of the main housing 401. The fineadjustment tool 451 moves the main housing 401 toward and away from themounting plate 445. This allows for slight adjustments between thedistance of the laser lines (see FIG. 5) 513, 515, 517, and the wall.

In an alternative embodiment, an adapter may be used to allow the mainhousing 401 to be attached to the stem 442 in a vertical orientation. Avertical orientation would project the laser lines perpendicular to themounting plate 445 such that a user may use the present invention tofind the center of the ceiling or floor. The adapter, not pictured, hasa cylindrical tube similar to the cylindrical tube 437 found on the mainhousing 401 such that it may be secured onto the mating stem 442 of themounting plate 439. The cylindrical tube of the adapter slides onto themating stem 442 of the S-curve 447. The adapter may be secured on themating stem 442 by complementary linear grooves and a spring loadedmechanism, as described above, or a friction press, such as a clamp witha gripped inner surface or a screw based clamp. The adapter may bedesigned in either an “L” or “T” shape such that it has an opening onone end for mating to the stem 442 and a perpendicular stem for the mainhousing 401. The main housing 401 is secured onto the perpendicular stemby sliding the cylindrical tube 437 onto the perpendicular stem. Similarto the securing mechanism described in FIG. 4, the main housing 401 maybe secured onto the perpendicular stem by complementary linear groovesand a spring loaded mechanism or a friction press, such as a clamp witha gripped inner surface or a screw based clamp. The adapter may berotated around the mating stem 442. A graduated scale 453, similar todescribed in FIG. 7, may be used to indicate various angles the adapteris rotated. Alternatively, the main housing 401 may be configured tohave an integrated adapter or a second opening perpendicular to thecylindrical rube 437.

In another embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIGS. 5Aand 5B, the present invention consists of a single laser 507, a gearmechanism like those depicted in FIG. 3A or 3B, housing 501, at leastone beam splitter 559, mirrors 555, 557, and two rotational plates 511,503. Similar to FIG. 1, a center laser 507 remains stationary in thecenter of the gear housing. A single laser line 509 is projected fromthe center laser 507 through a beam splitter 559 that splits the singlelaser line 509 into three laser lines: a left laser line 513, a rightlaser line 517, and a center laser line 515. The beam splitter 559 mayconsist of a single beam splitter or multiple beam splitters arranged infront of each other. The single laser line 561 is split so that the leftand right laser lines 513, 517 are perpendicular to the third centerlaser line 515.

A set of two mirrors 555, 557 are used to reflect left laser line 513and right laser line 517 so that the right laser line 517 and left laserline 513 are projected in the same direction as the center laser line515. The left mirror 555 is positioned to the left of the beam splitter559 on a left rotational plate 511. A second mirror 557 is positioned tothe right of the beam splitter 559 on a right rotational plate 503. Theleft mirror 555 and right mirror 557 are aligned directly across eachother, and are positioned in opposite angles. The mirrors 557, 555 arealso moved in identical relation to each other by a gear mechanism (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B).

As previously discussed and as seen in FIG. 3A, the gear mechanismconsists of a left gear 319, center gear 321, small gear 323, and rightgear 325 which are located inside the gear housing 501. The left gear319 is aligned to the left of the center gear 321. A small gear 323 ispositioned directly toward the bottom right corner of the center gear321. The small gear 321 allows the left gear 319 and the right gear 325to rotate in opposite directions and in identical relation to eachother. Similar to the rotation of the lasers in FIG. 1, as the rightgear 325 rotates counterclockwise, the right rotational plate 503 andmirror 555 rotate counterclockwise. As the left gear 319 rotateclockwise, the left rotation plate 511 and mirror 555 rotate clockwise.

The mirrors 555, 557 are used to move the left laser line 513 and rightlaser line 517 in an identical relation to each other. Therefore, thedistance between the left laser line 513 and the center laser line 515is equal to the distance between the right laser line 517 and the centerlaser line 515. In addition, the center laser line 515 is always theexact center point between the left laser line 513 and right laser line517.

By way of example, the user rotates the center gear 321 counterclockwiseusing the center adjustment dial 229 as described in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thiscauses the right gear 325 to rotate counterclockwise, and the left gear319 to rotate clockwise. As the right gear 325 rotates counterclockwise,the right rotational plate 503 rotates counterclockwise causing theright mirror 557 to move the right laser line 517 outward. Similarly, asthe left gear 319 rotates clockwise, the left rotational plate 511rotates clockwise causing the left mirror 555 to move the left laserline 513 outward. This causes the distance between the left laser line513 and right laser line 517 to increase. Both the right laser line 517and left laser line 513 move in equal distance from each other. Inaddition, both the right mirror 557 and left mirror 555 move inopposite, but corresponding, angles of each other.

In an additional embodiment, the set of two mirrors 555, 557 remainstationary, while the beam splitter 559 is moved away from and towardthe single laser 507. This beam splitter 559 moves accordingly byturning a knurled knob 512 connected to a gear mechanism. As describedabove, a single laser line 509 is projected through a beam splitter 559that splits the single laser line 509 into three laser lines: a leftlaser line 513, a right laser line 517, and a center laser line 515. Thesingle laser line 509 is split so that the left and right laser lines513, 517 are perpendicular to the third center laser line 515. A set oftwo mirrors 555, 557 are used to reflect left laser line 513 and rightlaser line 517 so that the right laser line 517 and left laser line 513are projected in the same direction as the center laser line 515. Thedistance between the left laser line 513 and the center laser line 515is equal to the distance between the right laser line 517 and the centerlaser line 515. Therefore, the center laser line 515 is always the exactcenter point between the left laser line 513 and right laser line 517.

The left mirror 555 is positioned to the left of the beam splitter 559.The right mirror 557 is positioned to the right of the beam splitter559. The mirrors 555, 557 are aligned across each other, and arepositioned in opposite angles of each other. The mirrors 555, 557 remainstationary.

In an alternative embodiment, both the set of mirrors 555, 557 mayrotate and the beam splitter 559 may move away and toward the singlelaser 501 to provide for greater range of motion and flexibility inmoving the laser lines 513, 517.

In order to move the left laser line 513 and right laser line 517 inidentical relation to each other, the beam splitter 559 is moved towardand away from the center laser 507. As the beam splitter 559 is movedtoward and away from the center laser 507, the left laser line 513 andright laser line 517 reflect off different portions of the stationarymirrors 557, 557 causing the lasers to reflect off the mirror at variousangles.

The beam splitter 559 is connected to a gear mechanism comprised ofknurled knob 512 secured to a main gear drive 504 that connects to alinear gear 508. The linear gear is attached to a column 533 that isconnected to the beam splitter 559. The knurled knob 512 rotates themain gear drive 504 which in turn causes the linear gear 512, the column533, and the beam splitter 559 to move away from or towards the singlelaser 507.

By way of example, as the beam splitter 559 is moved away from thecenter laser 507, left laser line 513 and right laser line 517 reflectoff the bottom portions of the mirrors 555, 557 causing the distancebetween the left laser line 513 and right laser line 517 to increase.The left laser line 513 and right laser line 517 move in identicalrelation to each other.

The present invention can also be used as a separate attachment. Thebeam splitter 559 together with the mirror system 555, 551, 557, 553 maybe attached to any commercial laser. In the alternative, the beamsplitter 559 may comprise multiple beam splitters or a prism or multipleprisms.

As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an additional embodiment of the presentinvention provides for a single laser 607, at least one beam splitter orprism 659, and a shaded lens 663 with a small opening 667. The singlelaser 607 projects a single laser line 615 through a prism or beamsplitter 659 which splits the beam into a full parabolic shape. Withinthe prism or beam splitter 659 is a hash mark 669 that indicates thecenter of the parabolic shape. A lens 663 with a small opening 667 isplaced in front of the prism or beam splitter 659 so that it blocks thefull parabolic shape from being projected on a surface but for a smallopening 667 in the center of the lens 663. The small opening 667 in thecenter of the shaded lens 663 allows for a horizontal laser line 665with the center hash mark 669 to be projected against a surface. Thelens 663 may be one or more lenses placed together to provide or formthe hash mark. The prism or beam splitter 659 and single laser 607remain stationary.

The shaded lens 663 moves away from and towards the prism 659 and singlelaser 607 by turning a knurled knob 612 connected to a gear mechanism.The gear mechanism is comprised of a knurled knob 612 secured to a maingear drive 604 that connects to a linear gear 608. The linear gear isattached to a column 633 that is connected to the shaded lens 663. Theknurled knob 612 rotates the main gear drive 604 which in turn causesthe linear gear 612, the column 633, and the shaded lens 663 to moveaway from or towards the prism 659 and single laser 607.

As the shaded lens 663 moves toward the prism or beam splitter 659, thehorizontal line 665 increases in size. As the lens 663 moves away fromthe prism or beam splitter 659, the horizontal line 665 decreases insize. Because the hash mark 669 remains stationary, a user can easilyfind the center of the horizontal line 665. By way of example, as theprism moves toward the single laser, the center hash mark remainsstationary and the distance between the left and right hash markincreases. As the prism moves away from the single laser, the centerhash mark remains stationary and the distance between the left and righthash mark decreases.

In an alternative to the gear mechanism, other drive mechanisms may beused to rotate the lasers, mirrors, shades, beam splitter, and prism.Such other drive systems may include belts, chains, wires, or pulleys.

An alternative interaction with the parabolic laser line includes anupside-down “V” or triangle shaped shade. The shade is designed suchthat only the portion of the laser line that shines through theupside-down cutout “V” is projected on the surface or wall. Theupside-down cutout “V” shape shade is raised and lowered in front of theparabolic laser line. As the upside-down cutout “V” shape shade israised upward, a larger portion of the parabolic laser line shinesthrough the upside-down cutout “V” shaped shade and thus, the paraboliclaser line projected on the surface increases in width. Similarly, asthe upside-down cutout “V” shape shade is lowered, a smaller portion ofthe parabolic laser line shines through the upside down cutout “V”shaped shade, and thus, the parabolic laser line decreases in width.

In an additional embodiment (depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9), the presentinvention comprises a main housing 801, a single laser 814, a shadingmechanism 830 (seen in FIG. 8), shades 810, 818, a knurled knob 812, andguide or raceway 818, 820 for the shades 810, 818. The single laser 814projects a horizontal laser line against a surface. The single laser 801may have the ability to be powered by battery, an alternating current(“AC”) transformer, or an AC adapter for extended use.

The center of the projected horizontal laser line may be indicated by ahash mark, center notch, or accented center point. This center mark maybe created by either an amplified or concentrated laser projection. Asthe shades 810, 818 open and close the width of the horizontal laserline increases and decreases. The left shade 810 and right shade 818move in identical relation to each other so that the center mark alwaysindicates the center of the horizontal laser line.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the shading mechanism 830. The shadingmechanism 830 comprises a left shade 810 having a first end 822 andsecond end 826, a right shade 818 having a first end 824 and second end828, a first linear gear 806, a second linear gear 808, and a main geardrive 804. The second end 826 of the left shade 810 is connected to thefirst linear gear 806. The second end 828 of the right shade 818 isconnected to the second linear gear 808. A main gear drive 804 ispositioned between the first linear gear 806 and the second linear gear808.

In an alternative embodiment, the second end 826, 828 of the left andright shades 810, 818 may be integrated with the first and second lineargears 806, 808 such that either a section of the shades 810, 818 isintegrated with or fastened to the linear gears 806, 808 or the entireshade 810, 818 is integrated with the linear gears 806, 808.

The left shade 810 is curved to the right and right shade 818 is curvedto the left such that the first ends 822, 824 of the left and rightshades 810, 818 are aligned. As the main gear drive 804 is rotated thefirst linear gear 806 and second linear gear 808 move in oppositedirections causing the shades 810, 818, or more specifically, the shadefirst ends 822, 824 to move towards each other or away from each other.For example, as the main gear drive 804 is rotated counterclockwise, thefirst linear gear 806 moves to the left and the second linear gear 808moves to the right in concert causing the first ends 822, 824 of theshades 810, 818 to meet in an identical relation to each other.Conversely, as the main gear drive 804 is rotated clockwise, the firstlinear gear 806 moves to the right and the second linear gear 808 movesto the left in concert causing the first ends 822, 824 of the shades810, 818 to move away from each other in an identical relation to eachother. Thus, by moving the main gear drive 804, the shade first ends822, 824 open and close to make the projected laser line bigger orsmaller.

The single laser 814 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) projects a laser line betweenthe first ends 822, 824 of the left and right shades 810, 818. Thus, asthe shades 810, 818 close, it blocks the right and left side of thehorizontal laser line causing a decrease in the width of the horizontallaser line. Similarly, as the shades 810, 818 open the width of thehorizontal laser line increases. This allows for the user to adjust thewidth of the horizontal laser line to equal the space to be centered.The shades 810, 818 may be made of flexible material to allow it tocurve around the single laser 814 and flexibly move back and forth inthe main housing 801. The integration of the shading mechanism 830 andmain housing 801 is described further in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross sectional and internal view of the mainhousing 801 and shading mechanism 830. The main gear drive 804 islocated inside the main housing 801, and is positioned between the firstlinear gear 806 and second linear gear 808. The left shade 810 isconnected to the first linear gear 806, and the right shade 818 isconnected to the second linear gear 808. A knurled knob 812 is connectedto the main gear drive 804 and positioned on top of the main housing801. The knurled knob 812 rotates the main gear drive 804 and allows forfine adjustments of the shades 810, 818. A top and bottom guide orraceway 818, 820 are positioned inside the main housing 801. The guideor raceway 818, 820 secures and acts as a guide for the shades 810, 818such that the shades 810, 818 may slide back and forth within the guideor raceway 818, 820 as the main gear drive 804 is rotated. A singlelaser 814 is positioned between the main gear drive 804 and the shades810, 818. The single laser 814 projects a horizontal laser line out thehousing opening 816 in the main housing 801.

The shades 810, 818 block portions of the laser line from projectingthrough the laser opening 816. As an example, a user wants to determinethe center of his wall and uses the present invention to project ahorizontal laser line against his wall. The user rotates the knurledknob 812 counterclockwise causing the main gear drive 804 to move thefirst ends 822, 824 of the left shade 810 and right shade 818 closertogether. As the first ends 822, 824 of the shades 810, 818 move closertogether, portions of the projected horizontal laser line are blockedand the width of the horizontal laser line decreases. The user continuesto rotate the knurled knob 812 counterclockwise until the width of thehorizontal laser line is equal to the surface to be centered. The centermark on the horizontal laser line indicates the center of the surface.

An additional embodiment of the shade design is depicted in FIG. 9B. Inthe additional embodiment, the shades 810, 818 are not curved, but arestraight with a second connecting piece or stem 832 forming a “T” shape.The stem 832 of each shade is connected to the appropriate linear gear806, 808. The linear gears 806, 808, center gear 804, and stems 832 aredesigned such that their vertical height is limited allowing placementof the laser 814 anywhere in the housing 801 including below or behindthe gearing mechanism. The shades 810, 818 are designed to lie in thepath of the laser line output to shade the line but for the openingbetween the shades. The adjustment of the laser line width is the sameas that described in FIG. 9A, such that a user may rotate the knurl knob812 for the fine adjustments of the shades 810, 818. As the knurl knob812 is rotated counterclockwise, the main gear drive 804 moves the leftshade 810 and right shade 818 closer together causing the shades 810,818 to close. Conversely, as the knurl knob 812 is rotated clockwise,the main gear drive 804 moves left shade 810 and right shade 818 fartherapart causing the shades 810, 818 to open. The gearing mechanism couldbe modified to work in the opposite direction or to have a differentdesign but still fit within the scope of the present invention.

As an alternative to the use of gears in the shading mechanism 830described above, the shading mechanism 830 may be designed with atension drive. Tension is used to close the shades 810, 818 (i.e., thefirst ends 822, 824 of the shades 810, 818 meet and block the laser frombeing projected onto a surface). A knurl knob 812 may be used to widenthe distance between the shades 810, 818. As described above, the widthof the horizontal laser line increases as the distance between theshades 810, 818 increase. The shades 810, 818 move concurrently and inan identical relation to each other such that the center mark indicatesthe center of the projected horizontal laser line. A lock or anchormechanism holds the shades 810, 818 in place. Such lock or anchormechanism may be either a frictional press or a screw tension. The mainhousing 801 may also be designed with a rough surface to create greaterfriction for either the frictional press or screw tension lockingmechanism. In an alternative design, the locking mechanism may consistof a spring and rubber pad such that when the locking mechanism isdepressed, friction locks the knurl knob 812 and shades 810, 818 frommoving.

In addition, the tension drive may also include negative tension. Suchnegative tension may be created by an additional rotational spring. Thenegative tension would offset the tension used to pull the shades 810,818 together. This would allow a user to increase the width between theshades 810, 818 more easily.

The examples provided herein are merely for the purpose of explanationand are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present method andproduct disclosed herein. While the invention has been described withreference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words whichhave been used herein are words of description and illustration, ratherthan words of limitation. Further, although the invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials, andembodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention expands to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are withinthe scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having thebenefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerousmodifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes ormodifications may be made to the above described embodiment withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It isunderstood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particularembodiment which is described, but is intended to cover allmodifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a housing; a center lightsource mated to the housing configured to generate a center referencelight line projected onto a surface; a left light source configured togenerate a left reference light line projected onto the surface whereinthe left light source is connected to a left rotational element; a rightlight source configured to generate a right reference light lineprojected onto the surface wherein the right light source is connectedto a right rotational element; a power source for providing power to thecenter light source, left light source, and right light source; a gearsystem within the housing which controls the rotation of the leftrotation element and right rotational element configured to move theleft rotational element and right rotational element in unison and inopposite rotational directions; and wherein the movement of the leftrotational element and right rotational element cause the left referencelight line and the right reference light line to move in equalincrements away from or towards the center reference light line.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device further includes a sensor forreceiving a reflected light signal from the center light source, whereinthe reflected light signal can be used to determine the distance fromthe device to the reflecting surface.
 3. The device of claim 2, whereinthe determined distance can be used in combination with the degree ofrotation of at least one of the rotational elements to determine thedistance between the center reference light line and the left referencelight line or the right reference light line.
 4. The device of claim 3further including a display for displaying one or more determineddistances.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further includesa left sensor for receiving a reflected light signal from the left lightsource and a right sensor for receiving a reflected light signal fromthe right light source, wherein the left and right reflected lightsignals can be used to determine a left side distance and a right sidedistance of the respective light from the reflecting surface.
 6. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein the system can notify the user when the leftside distance and right side distance are equal indicative of the devicebeing parallel to the surface.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein thedevice has a mounting element for mounting to a stand.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device further includes an adjustment dial for theuser to adjust the angular rotation of the left rotational plate andright rotational plate.
 9. A device comprising: a housing; a centerlight source mated to the housing configured to generate a center lightbeam; a power source for providing power to the center light source; atleast one beam splitter for splitting the center light source into acenter beam, a left beam and a right beam, wherein the center beamprojects a center reference light line onto a surface; a left mirrorconfigured to reflect the left beam producing a left reference lightline on the surface wherein the left mirror is connected to a leftrotational element; a right mirror configured to reflect the right beamproducing a right reference light line on the surface wherein the rightmirror is connected to a right rotational element; a gear system withinthe housing which controls the rotation of the left rotation element andright rotational element and is configured to move the left rotationalelement and right rotational element in unison and in oppositerotational directions; and wherein the movement of the left rotationalelement and right rotational element cause the left reference light lineand the right reference light line to move in equal increments away fromor towards the center reference light line.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein the device further includes a sensor for receiving a reflectedlight signal from the center light source, wherein the reflected lightsignal can be used to determine the distance from the device to thereflecting surface.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the determineddistance can be used in combination with the degree of rotation of atleast one of the rotational elements to determine the distance betweenthe center reference light line and the left reference light line orright reference light line.
 12. The device of claim 11 further includinga display for displaying one or more determined distances.
 13. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the device further includes a left sensor forreceiving a reflected light signal from the left beam and a right sensorfor receiving a reflected light signal from the right beam, wherein theleft and right reflected light signals can be used to determine a leftside distance and a right side distance of the respective light from thereflecting surface.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the system cannotify the user when the left side distance and right side distance areequal indicative of the device being parallel to the surface.
 15. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the device has a mounting element formounting to a stand.
 16. The device of claim 9, wherein the devicefurther includes an adjustment dial for the user to adjust the angularrotation of the left rotational plate and right rotational plate.
 17. Adevice comprising: a housing; a center light source mated to the housingconfigured to generate a center light beam; a power source for providingpower to the center light source; at least one beam splitter forsplitting the center light source into a center beam, a left beam and aright beam, wherein at least one of the at least one beam splitter ismounted to a moveable plate and wherein the center beam projects acenter reference light line onto a surface; a left mirror configured toreflect the left beam producing a left reference light line on thesurface; a right mirror configured to reflect the right beam producing aright reference light line on the surface; a mechanism within thehousing which controls the movement of the moveable plate so that theleft beam and right beam reflect off of the left mirror and right mirrorrespectively at different locations on the mirrors; and wherein themovement of the moveable plate causes the left reference light line andthe right reference light line to move in equal increments away from ortowards the center reference light line.
 18. The device of claim 17,wherein the device further includes a sensor for receiving a reflectedlight signal from the center light source, wherein the reflected lightsignal can be used to determine the distance from the device to thereflecting surface.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the determineddistance can be used in combination with the displacement of themoveable plate to determine the distance between the center referencelight line and the left reference light line or right reference lightline.
 20. The device of claim 19 further including a display fordisplaying one or more determined distances.
 21. The device of claim 17,wherein the device further includes a left sensor for receiving areflected light signal from the left beam and a right sensor forreceiving a reflected light signal from the right beam, wherein the leftand right reflected light signals can be used to determine a left sidedistance and a right side distance of the respective light from thereflecting surface.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the system cannotify the user when the left side distance and right side distance areequal indicative of the device being parallel to the surface.
 23. Thedevice of claim 17, wherein the device has a mounting element formounting to a stand.
 24. The device of claim 17, wherein the devicefurther includes an adjustment dial for the user to adjust the movementof the moveable plate.